Manchester United

Erik ten Hag: Man Utd boss says club must invest if they want to remain in Premier League’s top four

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1 year ago

May 29, 2023

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Erik ten Hag: Man Utd boss says club must invest if they want to remain in Premier League’s top four

Erik ten Hag has guided Man Utd to third-place in the Premier League in his first season in charge, as well as Carabao Cup glory and a place in the FA Cup final; United limited to just three loan signings in January and Ten Hag said: “If you want to play top four, you have to invest”

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must invest if they want to remain in the top four of the Premier League.

Ten Hag has taken United back into the Champions League at the first time of asking, while also winning the Carabao Cup and setting up an FA Cup final against Manchester City.

But the manager was limited to just three loan signings in the January transfer window and, after beating Fulham 2-1 on the final day of the season, United have finished the campaign 14 points behind champions City.

Speaking after the Premier League season came to an end, Ten Hag said: “The club knows that if you want to play top four, if you want to compete for trophies in this tough league, you have to invest, otherwise you won’t progress because other clubs will.

“We saw it in the winter. All the clubs around us invested. We didn’t and still we made it. So I am really happy and proud of my team.”

United were one of just five Premier League sides not to spend in January, and the only one of those clubs that ended the campaign in the European places.

Ten Hag was supported in his first window, with more than £225m spent on six new players, including Antony, who cost £86m when being signed from the manager’s former club Ajax.

Ten Hag’s comments come amid uncertainty over who will be United’s owners going forward, with the Glazer family – who have owned the club since 2005 – entertaining offers.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder of Ineos, and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qatari businessman, are the two parties keen on completing a takeover, which could cost more than £5bn.

Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this week, Ten Hag said United would be able to move for their key transfer targets this summer if there was no change in the ownership situation.

Ten Hag said: “I think so. I came in here [at the end of] last season and we talked about what can we do in the squad, what can we do in transfers.

“Last year, the club confirmed they can do. So, for me, I don’t think anything changed and yes, in this summer period we can do the same.”

Keane excited by Kane but not Mount

Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Mason Mount are on Manchester United’s transfer shortlist this summer but it is unlikely they will sign all three.

United are in the market for a striker and it is thought their No 1 target is Kane. United have a long-standing interest in the striker but Tottenham do not want to sell and he is contracted to them until next summer.

Rice will be allowed to leave West Ham for the right price this summer but Arsenal are his most likely destination at the moment. Mount has a year left on his contract and Chelsea still want him to sign a new deal.

“The one that would excite me is Kane,” responded Sky Sports’ Roy Keane.

Mason Mount took time to walk around an empty Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s final game of the season – was he saying goodbye?

“Mount has gone off the boil a little bit. He’s got qualities and I’ve raved about him before but has gone missing in the last year or two with one or two injuries. He can’t get in a bad Chelsea team. I wouldn’t be hanging my hat on him on improving Manchester United. Rice would improve United, that would be a decent signing.

“But in terms of excitement and the goals it would be Kane but can you see Spurs selling to Manchester United? Very difficult.”

Ratcliffe remains lead bidder for Man Utd

Ineos billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains the leading candidate to buy Manchester United despite an inconclusive board meeting held late last week.

Sky News understands directors of the Premier League club’s holding company met on Thursday to discuss the progress of its £5bn-plus auction.

Controlled by members of the Glazer family but also comprising a number of independent directors, the board was updated on the sale process by Raine, the merchant bank advising United.

A source close to the auction said the directors did not opt to enter into exclusive negotiations with either Ineos Sports or its principal rival, the Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.

Ratcliffe is proposing to buy a majority stake in United which would leave two of the Glazers involved, while Sheikh Jassim wants to buy the club outright.

The source said that Ineos remained the “leading” bidder despite a further, improved offer from the Nine Two Foundation – Sheikh Jassim’s bid vehicle – earlier this month.

Manchester United vs Fulham LIVE highlights and reaction as Sancho and Fernandes goals secure win

Man United beat Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday and we’ll bring you live match reaction in our dedicated blog

Manchester United take on Fulham at Old Trafford for their final game of the Premier League season this afternoon.

United defeated Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday thanks to goals from Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. That comfortable victory sealed qualification for the Champions League, which was Erik ten Hag’s first target.

The Reds now have the opportunity to finish the season by finishing third in the table. United have already played Fulham twice this term and they won both of those matches, with the most recent meeting coming in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Fulham were leading 1-0 at Old Trafford in March in that FA Cup clash but they dramatically imploded with three red cards.

Regarding the team news, Antony sustained a ‘serious’ injury in midweek and he’s not available for the game. Luke Shaw also sustained an injury in that win but he is on the bench. Alejandro Garnacho and Fred are among those to come into the line-up.

More starters might be confirmed for the FA Cup final

The league season ended how it started at Old Trafford: a 2-1 result on the scoreboard, albeit this one was in Manchester United’s favour.

This season has been bookended by two 2-1s that feel a lifetime apart. The mood around Old Trafford is not totally harmonious as the Glazer family mull over proposals to end their occupation, though the football is.

Nathan Lyon, the Australian spin bowler, was sat in the directors’ box with a Bruno Fernandes scarf draped around his neck. United require no spin this season even with a final to be played.
Ten Hag on the pitch

“First of all, I want to say thank you to our players,” Ten Hag said to rapturous applause. “I think they played a brilliant season. Thank you to the staff and I also want to thank you all. Thank you for your contribution, backing us and the support.
“It was great, so thank you. But when I say these words, there’s still one game to go and I’m sure these players will give everything to beat Manchester City next week. I’m sure we have a really good chance to take the cup back to Old Trafford.”

United player ratings as De Gea and Malacia good

David de Gea

Saved a penalty at Old Trafford for the first time since October 2014 with United 1-0 down. If this was a send-off (it probably isn’t), it was a pretty good one. 8

Diogo Dalot

Started brightly but faded and did not dominate the right-hand side as he did in the first months of the season. A Cup final start seems unlikely. 6

Victor Lindelof

A largely trouble-free afternoon ahead of a probable FA Cup final start next week. In the best form of his United career. 7

What would you rate the players?

Have your say down below.

FT – MUN 2-1 FULKEY EVENT

FULL-TIME!

That’s the final whistle at Old Trafford.

Three points to end a great season.

90′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Two minutes added

Almost over.

88′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

CHANCE!

Weghorst misses a sitter, looks at the crowd and shakes his head.

84′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

De Gea saves

Another good save from De Gea, who is forced to get down low to deny Fulham.

81′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Fernandes coms off

Pellistri ON.

Fernandes OFF

78′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Mitrovic booked

Mitrovic has lost his head at Old Trafford again.

Yellow card for having a go at Malacia.

76′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Special season for Rashford

To become the first United player since Robin van Persie to score 30 goals in a season has been some achievement. Rashford’s turnaround has been a joy to follow and great to see.

74′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Rashford comes off

Weghorst ON.

Rashford OFF.

71′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Third place in the table

United are set to finish third in the Premier League and they’ve won a trophy, with the FA Cup final still to play. It’s been a great first season for Ten Hag.

69′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Huge applause

Huge applause for Casemiro as he leaves the pitch, with Rashford joining in.

What a transformative signing he’s been this season.

67′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Three changes

McTominay, Eriksen and Martial ON.

Casemiro, Fred and Garnacho OFF.

64′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Drama elsewhere

Everton have taken the lead at home to Bournemouth, which means they will stay up, as it stands.

63′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

McTominay coming on

The first change of the game will be made, so it’s likely Casemiro will be replaced by McTominay.

61′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

End-of-season treat

This has been a very open game, with action at both ends, and supporters are enjoying themselves under the sun at Old Trafford. It’s been an enjoyable and productive season.

58′ – MUN 2-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Fred the enigma

Fred couldn’t do much right in the first half and yet he’s managed to get two assists. He’s an enigmatic character and that is him in a nutshell. The second assist was world-class.

55′ – MUN 2-1 FULKEY EVENT

GOAL! 2-1 UNITED!

United are ahead thanks to a beautiful finish from Fernandes, who dinks the ball over Leno.

A sensational reverse pass from Fred, probably one of the assists of the season.

53′ – MUN 1-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

‘Leeds are falling apart again’

“Leeds are falling apart again,” is the chant being heard at Old Trafford. United fans are revelling in their historic rivals looking all but guaranteed to drop to the championship.

51′ – MUN 1-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Brilliant from Malacia

Malacia does really well to roam forward on the left and he’s hacked down – yellow card.

50′ – MUN 1-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Leeds are down

Leeds look set to be relegated, as they’re losing 2-0 against Tottenham.

47′ – MUN 1-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

CHANCE!

Rashford bursts through and somehow doesn’t score – he looked certain to find the net.

45′ – MUN 1-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

We’re back under way

Here we go for the second half.

HT – MUN 1-1 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

Half-time ratings

And here are your half-time ratings…

De Gea

Penalty save even more crucial after the equaliser. 8

Dalot

Started well but faded. 6

Lindelof

Fine. 6

Maguire

One bad pass led to the penalty but a good pass led to the leveller. 6

Malacia

Teed up Garnacho to hit the crossbar. 6

Casemiro

Conceded the penalty but bustled about. 6

Fred

Got it wrong even when the ball fell right for Sancho. 4

Sancho

Decent half crowned by a goal. 7

Fernandes

Key pass for the goal. 6

Garnacho

Started slowly but went close twice. 6

Rashford

Not really at it. 5

HT – MUN 0-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Half-time

That’s the whistle for the break here.

45′ – MUN 1-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Two minutes added

Almost half-time.

43′ – MUN 1-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Ten Hag will be pleased

Ten Hag will be pleased with the positive response since conceding from the corner.

41′ – MUN 1-1 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

Fred with the assist

Proof there one can be so bad it is good. Fred fumbled his lines but the ball rolled into Sancho’s path and he could not miss. Sancho has been quite bright and, the way it’s going, he has to be the likely starter at Wembley if Antony is not deemed fit enough.

That save from De Gea is even more crucial now. If this is a send-off for him (it probably isn’t), then he’s already added gloss to the occasion.

39′ – MUN 1-1 FULTYRONE MARSHALL

Maguire did his bit

Decent build-up to that goal from Maguire and Fernandes, but there’s a huge stroke of luck when Fred tries to burst into the box. It’s not been his day so far but he’ll take that. Sancho, who has played well, couldn’t miss when the ball fell to him.

37′ – MUN 1-1 FULKEY EVENT

GOAL! 1-1 UNITED!

After sustained pressure, Sancho produces the equaliser with an excellent goal.

Fred with the assist and Sancho pokes it home within the box.

35′ – MUN 0-1 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

Vintage Fred display

Fred is having one of those games where anything he tries goes very wrong. There’s no issue with his application but when he gets the ball he’s rarely getting it right.

A few United subs have warmed up already. It would be remiss of Ten Hag not to take up the quota of five changes.

33′ – MUN 0-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Goals elsewhere

It’s all happening on the final day of the Premier League season. The goals have been flying in and as things stand, Leicester are staying up, with Leeds and Everton going down.

31′ – MUN 0-1 FULTYRONE MARSHALL

Excellent from De Gea

This almost certainly isn’t De Gea’s last game at Old Trafford, but then again that would be some way to go out. It was an excellent penalty save and he was mobbed by his teammates after making it. More than you would usually expect with a corner to defend. United have been well on top since then. There was some patient attacking play that led to Garnacho hitting the bar and on the other flank Sancho is shining again.

29′ – MUN 0-1 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

The crowd have responded

The penalty has created an atmosphere. Rashford has just shot wide and Garnacho had a good opening there, albeit he had to hit it quickly on the turn. Then he went closer, hitting the crossbar by getting too much elevation on the side-footer. He’s suddenly become more involved higher up the pitch.

There was not a replay of it but Fulham’s penalty came about from a Maguire pass getting intercepted, though Casemiro still clumsily fouled Cairney.

28′ – MUN 0-1 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Two chances

Garnacho comes close to equalising twice, with his second effort smashing the bar.

27′ – MUN 0-1 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

Rare penalty save

That’s De Gea’s first penalty save at Old Trafford since he denied Leighton Baines in October 2014.

26′ – MUN 0-1 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

Huge roar for the save

Not a bad warm-up for a possible Cup final shootout from De Gea. It was not a well-placed penalty by Mitrovic but De Gea went the right way and turned the ball away. A big roar greeted that save, possibly as it’s such a rarity De Gea saves penalties.

Garnacho has not hit his stride yet and we’re around 25 minutes in. This has been a fabulous season but you could count on one hand how many times he has cut it as a starter.

24′ – MUN 0-1 FULKEY EVENT

PENALTY SAVED

De Gea saves Mitrovic’s penalty and what a moment this is for the Spaniard.

A superb stop from someone who doesn’t often save penalties.

22′ – MUN 0-1 FULKEY EVENT

PENALTY FULHAM

United concede a penalty as Casemiro brings down Cairny.

20′ – MUN 0-1 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

Rashford lost his man

Willian has been another good addition by Fulham and that cross was on the money, provided a teammate got goal side. Tete had no problem doing that against Rashford, whose marking was that of a forward. A straightforward corner routine into the near post that was executed flawlessly.

18′ – MUN 0-1 FULKEY EVENT

GOAL! 1-0 FULHAM!

Fulham score direct from a corner, as Tete heads past De Gea following a good delivery.

Tete had a free header and nobody was picking him up.

16′ – MUN 0-0 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Entertaining game

Fulham are having a go, just like they did in the FA Cup, which means this is watchable.

14′ – MUN 0-0 FULTYRONE MARSHALL

Wrong decision from Casemiro

Casemiro has done a lot of good things for United this season but that shot from the halfway line wasn’t one of them. He didn’t catch that at all, not that it was ever on. He got a foot in to stop a Fulham counter soon after, which is where he does excel. It’s an open game so far, the kind of end-of-season fare we’ve come to enjoy.

12′ – MUN 0-0 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

Impressive from Rashford

That was a fine free-kick from Rashford but also a straightforward stop for Leno, who’se been a very good signing for Fulham. Rashford just went down and was quite cumbersome getting back up but there doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about for United.

Fred has been busy if a little erratic already. He is another who has a decent shout of starting at Wembley, going off the January derby and th need for United to make a tactical tweak.

10′ – MUN 0-0 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

CHANCE!

Rashford strikes the bar with a thunderous free-kick from around 30 yards – excellent effort.

8′ – MUN 0-0 FULSTEVEN RAILSTON

Bright start here

It’s been a bright start from United, who have already got themselves in a few good positions.

6′ – MUN 0-0 FULSAMUEL LUCKHURST

Fernandes drifting wide

Fernandes is already taking positions on the wing – a possible rehearsal for a role there against City next week. Casemiro should have played the ball over the top for him there after Garnacho and Rashford opened up the space.

Fulham fans have some cheek chanting “You’re just a ground full of tourists” when Craven Cottage is a hive of touristic fans and casual followers.

United fans are now going through their repertoire of anti-Leeds songs following Tottenham’s goal.